The Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 11 August 2026 to discuss a range of health-related topics. Key areas for consideration include the progress of maternity and early years services, the use of health and care data, and the perspectives of the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector on health inequalities. The committee will also receive an update on NHS service reconfigurations.

Maternity and Early Years Services

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on maternity, neonatal, and early years services across Greater Manchester. The report on this topic is set to provide an update on progress, current challenges, and transformation priorities. It will highlight the opportunity to strengthen prevention-focused, neighbourhood-based support for women, babies, children, and families. The committee is being asked to note progress, support stronger collaboration between NHS Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), local authorities, and VCFSE partners, and endorse the integration of maternity, early years, and wider family services. The report details improvements such as reduced stillbirth rates and falling midwifery vacancies, but also acknowledges continuing challenges like higher-than-historic maternal mortality rates and breastfeeding rates below national averages. It also addresses early years outcomes, noting improvements but also a persistent gap in school readiness and variations in access to services.

Health and Care Data and Intelligence

The committee is scheduled to receive information on health and care data and intelligence in Greater Manchester. This discussion will likely cover the GM Care Record, a system designed to share patient information across various health and care settings to improve direct care and treatment for the region's population. The report indicates that the GM Care Record collates patient information from GP practices, councils, acute trusts, community services, and mental health trusts. The presentation is expected to highlight the increasing usage of the GM Care Record and its projected productivity benefits. Information on the Electronic Palliative Care Coordination System (EPaCCS) and the broader GM Data Ecosystem, including the Advanced Data Science Platform (ADSP), is also anticipated.

Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector Perspectives on Health Inequalities

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the perspectives of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector regarding health inequalities in Greater Manchester. The report is intended to provide an overview of key health inequalities, drawing on the insight and community intelligence of the VCFSE sector, which works directly with residents experiencing disadvantage. The VCFSE sector is seen as uniquely placed to identify emerging issues, unmet needs, and community-led innovations. The report is expected to highlight principal health and wellbeing challenges and outline how VCFSE organisations are supporting residents and helping to reduce inequalities. Key issues identified by the sector are anticipated to include poverty and the cost of living, mental health and wellbeing, and barriers to accessing services.

NHS Greater Manchester Monthly Service Reconfiguration Progress Report and Forward Look

An update on NHS Greater Manchester's monthly service reconfigurations is also scheduled. This report will outline service reconfigurations that are currently planned or undergoing engagement and/or consultation. It will provide additional information on any ongoing engagement activities. The report is updated monthly to keep members informed and allow them to request further information. Specific projects mentioned include the Specialised Commissioning: Cardiac and Arterial Vascular Surgery, Safe and Sustainable Specialised Services for Babies and Children, Plastic Surgery in Wigan, and Swanbourne Gardens in Stockport.

Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year

The committee will consider the draft Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. Members are expected to confirm items for future meetings, including those scheduled for 15 September 2026, and identify any items from the 'to be added' list that could be provided as briefing notes. The draft programme indicates that items such as Adult Social Care updates, reform and workforce updates, and cardiovascular disease prevention will be considered in the coming months.